MISSION ACCOMPLISHED - MAY 1, 2008 TROOP OUTREACH ACTIONS
On May 1st, the 5th anniversary
of "mission accomplished," VFP chapters will travel to local military bases and
stand at the gates with a few simple signs, waving to military personnel, during
the peak travel hours. This is an extraordinarily simple action, which requires
few people, originated by Harvey Tharp, VFP and IVAW member, on last year's VFP
Convoy. We hope to have VFP members and chapters across the country participate
in this action.
Here are some guidelines for gate engagement:
I. Limit the number of people
at each gate. Aim for no more than 4 persons per gate; if a number
of people agree to come, station people at different gates so as to not
overwhelm passersby.
II. Be prepared for some confrontation; while this
may not happen, it is possible service members or
others (i.e. civilians, police officers, etc.) may stop or yell comments.
Most though will pass by and either nod/honk/gesture in support or do nothing at
all.
III. Be prepared with additional information: VFP applications,
IVAW applications, Appeal For Redress flyers, GI Rights cards, etc.
IV.
Prepare yourselves with talking points (responses to questions likely to be
asked) and be ready to address individuals/groups with questions and comments.
Make sure all in attendance understand the spirit of the action and that this is
not an event planned to question specifically if the mission was really
accomplished; this is an action designed to demonstrate VFP support of men and
women in uniform.
V. If your group can do this all day, that is terrific.
If you cannot, peak times work very well: morning (from about 7:30-9), lunchtime
(from about 11:30-1) and/or evening (from about 4-5:30). These are the times
when the bulk of people are coming and going. Be conscious of what direction
drivers are headed; if it is the morning, they will be driving on to the base,
so station yourself on that side. If lunchtime, at first they will be driving
off, so position yourself on that side; later during the lunch hour they will be
returning, so back to the other side.
VI. Limit the number of signs and
make them very simple as people driving onto the base have only a brief moment
to read them. Here are some examples:
Veterans For Peace; Veterans
For Peace Salutes YOU; Iraq Veterans Against the War; ivaw.org; veteransforpeace.org; Veterans For Peace Supports YOU; VFP flag.
*The key is simplicity as drivers
have only a moment to see the signs. Emphasize VFP's unconditional support for
service members versus negative/antagonistic comments. Even
something like "Bring Them Home," can look threatening to someone currently
serving.
VII. Please do not include signs that challenge Bush's
competency, our presence in Iraq, US policies generally, was the mission really
accomplished, etc. This action is not for that purpose. Our support of the troops is unconditional.